A CT angiogram with Cleerly is an advanced cardiovascular imaging analysis that enhances the effectiveness of a traditional coronary CT angiography (CCTA). It uses AI-powered software to quantify and characterize coronary atherosclerosis, providing detailed information about plaque burden, type, and risk that goes beyond what standard imaging offers.
Effectiveness of CT Angiogram with Cleerly
Key Strengths and Clinical Benefits
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Plaque Characterization
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Differentiates between calcified, non-calcified, and low-attenuation plaques, which is important for identifying vulnerable plaques more prone to rupture (which lead to heart attacks).
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Low-attenuation plaques are often missed or underappreciated with standard imaging but are flagged with Cleerly's AI.
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Quantitative Atherosclerosis Assessment
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Provides objective, reproducible measurements of plaque volume and distribution throughout the coronary tree.
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Helps track progression or regression of disease over time with lifestyle, supplement, or medication interventions.
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Risk Stratification Beyond Stenosis
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Traditional CT angiography focuses mainly on degree of blockage, but most heart attacks occur at non-obstructive plaques. Cleerly highlights overall plaque burden and vulnerable plaque features, providing a more complete risk profile.
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This is particularly beneficial for patients with “normal” stress tests but ongoing symptoms or family history.
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Early Detection in Asymptomatic Patients
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Allows identification of subclinical atherosclerosis well before symptoms or events occur, enabling true prevention.
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Alternative to Invasive Angiography in Some Cases
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For low- to intermediate-risk patients, a CT angiogram with Cleerly analysis can reduce the need for unnecessary invasive catheterizations.
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Scientific Backing
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PROMISE, SCOT-HEART, and CONFIRM trials all support the value of CT angiography in cardiovascular risk prediction.
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Cleerly builds on this foundation by offering AI-based plaque analysis and has shown high concordance with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which is the gold standard but invasive.
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Studies presented at ACC and AHA conferences suggest Cleerly can predict cardiovascular events more accurately than traditional risk scores or stress testing.
Ideal Use Cases
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Patients with intermediate cardiac risk (based on family history, cholesterol, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome)
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Patients with chest pain and inconclusive prior tests
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Athletes or executives seeking advanced cardiovascular screening
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Monitoring the effect of lifestyle or medication changes (e.g., statins, GLP-1s, supplements)
Limitations
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Radiation and contrast exposure (though modern protocols minimize this)
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May still miss microvascular disease or spasm-related issues
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Requires high-quality image acquisition—not all facilities are equipped or trained
Summary
A CT angiogram with Cleerly is highly effective in early detection, risk stratification, and treatment guidance for coronary artery disease. It offers a non-invasive, AI-enhanced view of your heart's arteries, revealing not just blockages but vulnerable plaques that may lead to future events. It's a powerful tool, especially when integrated into preventive and functional medicine approaches.